From cutting-edge contemporary works to digital innovations, here’s everything you need to know about Art Dubai 2025.
Since its inception in 2007, Art Dubai has grown to become one of the region’s most talked about art events, showcasing modern art in the Middle East and beyond. With its 2025 edition, the fair offers a unique blend of local artistry with international trends. From April 18th to the 20th, with preview days on April 16th and the 17th, the stunning Madinat Jumeirah will host a mix of galleries, artists and collectors from around the world.
Art Dubai Contemporary: A Global Perspective
The Contemporary section offers a curated selection of galleries from emerging art hubs and established cultural centres. Curated by Andrée Sfeir-Semler and Priyanka Raja, this section celebrates new perspectives in global art, cultivating discovery and creative exchange. Featuring cutting-edge installations by emerging talents and established artists redefining contemporary practice, notable exhibitors include Bortolami (New York) and Mizuma Art Gallery (Tokyo).
Bawwaba: Imagining New Coexistence
Meaning ‘gateway’ in Arabic, Bawwaba bridges artistic traditions with innovative storytelling, offering visitors a curated window into the contemporary global zeitgeist under the curatorial vision of Mirjam Varadinis. This year, 10 solo presentations focus on themes of displacement, coexistence and environmental responsibility. Created within the past year or specifically for the fair, these works challenge conventional narratives and propose bold new models of living.
Highlights include immersive installations exploring human and planetary connections, provocative pieces addressing cultural displacement and resilience.
Art Dubai Modern: Revisiting the Masters
Curated by Magalí Arriola and Nada Shabout, Art Dubai Modern honours the pioneering artists of the 20th century from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. By highlighting underexplored art histories, this section connects the past to the present, offering a deeper understanding of the modern cultural landscape.
This section delves into how geopolitical shifts, cultural solidarities and heritage renewal shaped modern art movements. Key themes include abstract experimentation rooted in heritage, cultural dialogues across postcolonial regions.
Art Dubai Digital: The Technological Sublime
Curated by Gonzalo Herrero Delicado, Art Dubai Digital explores the intersection of technology and culture under the theme ‘After the Technological Sublime’.
This section redefines the traditional sublime, showcasing how AI, NFTs, and immersive digital installations evoke both wonder and anxiety in our technologically driven age. The highlights include NFT showcases that merge creativity and blockchain innovation, immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences and digital artworks addressing environmental and societal challenges.
Beyond the Galleries: Events and Engagements
Global Art Forum: An interdisciplinary gathering exploring art, sustainability, and technology.
Modern Talks: Discussions with leading experts on untold art histories.
Youth Workshops: Programs designed to inspire and educate emerging talent.
